Celtic could forget O’Neill with ‘kamikaze’ 4-3-3 boss tipped as next manager

Martin O’Neill has raised fresh questions over his Celtic future after admitting he will use the international break to consider whether he is still the right man to lead the club.

The Hoops suffered their third consecutive defeat on Sunday as Rangers secured a 1-0 victory at Celtic Park, adding to a difficult run that has also included a 3-0 League Cup defeat to the Ibrox side and a 3-1 Europa League loss to Ferencvaros.

O’Neill was asked after Sunday’s Old Firm defeat whether he had started considering his position at the club.

The Celtic boss admitted that he will reflect on the situation during the extended international break, saying: “I genuinely will reflect and see. It’s a matter of whether I can help the team because the manager is supposed to be able to do that. That’s what I have to ask myself. I will have a look at that this week.”

Those comments could put the club’s hierarchy on alert, particularly with Celtic now facing a three-week gap before their next competitive fixture.

That lengthy break would provide the board with an opportunity to make a managerial change if they decided a different direction was required, while also giving a new head coach additional time to work with the squad.

Celtic’s European record raises further concerns

O’Neill’s latest spell in charge has produced some impressive results, but Celtic’s performances against stronger European opposition have highlighted concerns over their ability to compete at the highest level.

The Hoops have conceded 18 goals across nine European matches during his current tenure.

Their European record during this period includes a 3-1 defeat to Ferencvaros, a 5-0 loss to LASK despite winning the first meeting 3-0, and a 4-1 defeat against Stuttgart. Celtic have also recorded victories over Stuttgart, Utrecht and Feyenoord, while drawing with Bologna.

There was also a 3-1 defeat to Midtjylland in the Champions League qualifying campaign.

The recent Old Firm results have added to the pressure, with Rangers scoring four times without reply across the two latest domestic meetings between the sides.

For a club with ambitions of regularly competing deep into European competition, Celtic’s defensive record and performances against quality opposition could therefore become an important factor in any decision over O’Neill’s position.

Kjetil Knutsen could emerge as an alternative

If Celtic do decide to make a change, one name they have previously considered is Kjetil Knutsen.

The Bodo/Glimt boss was reportedly contacted by Celtic earlier this year when the club was assessing possible permanent replacements for O’Neill, who was initially appointed on an interim basis.

That previous interest could make the Norwegian an obvious candidate should the Parkhead hierarchy decide to revisit its options.

Knutsen has built an impressive reputation during his time in charge of Bodo/Glimt, combining domestic success with a style of football that has helped the Norwegian club make an impact in European competition.

His European record includes 22 Europa League matches at 1.23 points per game, 21 Conference League appearances at 1.76 points per game and 13 Champions League matches at 1.38 points per game.

His record is even stronger in the qualifying rounds, where Bodo/Glimt have averaged 1.95 points per game in Champions League qualifiers, 2.42 in Conference League qualifiers and 2.00 in Europa League qualifying matches.

Bodo/Glimt’s European performances last season further enhanced Knutsen’s reputation, with the Norwegian side recording notable victories over Manchester City, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid.

Knutsen could also suit Celtic’s attacking players

There would also be a clear tactical appeal to appointing Knutsen.

The Norwegian is known for an aggressive, attacking approach built around a 4-3-3 system, with his Bodo/Glimt sides generally looking to play on the front foot.

That could potentially suit Celtic’s existing squad, particularly Kasper Hogh.

The Danish striker enjoyed an excellent campaign under Knutsen last season, scoring 24 goals in all competitions for Bodo/Glimt before making the move to Celtic.

Knutsen’s system could therefore provide a familiar environment for Hogh while allowing Celtic to make greater use of his strengths in the final third.

Former Bodo/Glimt captain Ulrik Saltnes has previously described Knutsen’s football as “kamikaze”, underlining the attacking mentality associated with the coach.

There is also a significant domestic record behind his European achievements. Knutsen has guided Bodo/Glimt to four of the last six Eliteserien titles, demonstrating an ability to build dominant teams and consistently challenge for trophies.

That combination of domestic success, European experience and attacking football would make Knutsen an intriguing option if Celtic ultimately decide that O’Neill’s time at Parkhead has reached its conclusion.

For now, however, O’Neill remains in charge, with the international break giving both the manager and Celtic’s hierarchy time to consider what comes next.